BLUE BELL, Pa., Oct. 27 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — C&D Technologies, Inc., a leading North American producer and marketer of batteries, battery systems and integrated standby power systems, announced today that it has signed a manufacturing contract with Firefly Energy, Inc., the Peoria, Illinois-based battery technology company that has developed a portfolio of innovative lead-acid battery technologies.

The contract calls for the establishment of a manufacturing partnership between the two companies to produce Firefly-designed battery products for the trucking and off highway equipment markets. Firefly’s microcell technology provides the trucking industry and fleets with a highly effective fuel-saving alternative for powering their trucks’ hotel loads and HVAC systems. Capable of almost double the run time and life of traditional lead-acid batteries, the technology enables significant economic payback as well as compliance with recent anti-idling legislation.

The first focus for this partnership will be for the Firefly “Oasis” battery. Firefly will provide microcell foam technology components, and C&D will manufacture the battery in their Milwaukee Wisconsin facility.

Dr. Jeffery Graves, President and CEO of C&D Technologies said, “This partnership brings together innovative design and materials technologies with advanced manufacturing techniques to produce a customer solution that has outstanding performance and is environmentally friendly, as it reduces the emissions from engine idling or diesel auxiliary power units. C&D is committed to energy storage products, processes and enterprises that preserve our environment. We look forward to a long and fruitful partnership with Firefly Energy.”

Firefly CEO Ed Williams called the new C&D relationship a “critical addition to our manufacturing and commercialization strategies which expands the availability of our award winning battery technology.”

“Firefly is first and foremost an innovator, creating enabling energy technologies,” Williams said. “We will continue to focus on product technologies, design, development and testing that compresses product
development schedules while enhancing product quality and performance. We’re delighted to be associated with a company of C&D’s caliber, given the stringent requirements which C&D has long met in producing batteries of the highest quality for demanding telecom and data protection customers.”

About Firefly Energy

Firefly Energy Inc. (http://www.fireflyenergy.com) is a Peoria, Illinois-based battery technology company developing a portfolio of lead-acid battery technologies and products to enhance performance within major portions of the $30 billion worldwide battery marketplace. The company’s first applied technology is a microcell foam-based battery technology, which can deliver a unique combination of high performance, low weight and low cost, all within a battery that unleashes the full power potential of lead acid chemistry. Firefly’s battery products and their patented microcell technology deliver to battery markets a level of performance achieved with advanced battery chemistries (Nickel Metal Hydride and Lithium) but at one-fifth the cost. Firefly’s microcell battery products can be manufactured as well as recycled within the existing lead acid battery industry’s vast infrastructure. Firefly is backed by multi-billion-dollar product companies such as Caterpillar (http://www.cat.com), BAE Systems (http://www.baesystems.com), and Husqvarna. Additional
investors include Chicago-area Venture Capital firm KB Partners (http://www.kbpartners.com), Quercus Trust, Khosla Ventures, Infield Capital and the Illinois Finance Authority.

About C&D Technologies:

C&D Technologies, Inc. provides solutions and services for the switchgear and control (utility), telecommunications, and uninterruptible power supply (UPS), as well as emerging markets such as solar power. C&D Technology’s designs, manufactures, sells and services fully integrated reserve power systems for regulating and monitoring power flow and providing backup power in the event of primary power loss until the primary source can be restored. C&D Technologies’ unique ability to offer complete systems, designed and produced to high technical standards, sets it apart from its competition. C&D Technologies is headquartered in Blue Bell, PA. For more information about C&D Technologies, visit http://www.cdtechno.com.

TORONTO — RigMaster has announced its “Roll Back the Hands of Time” promotion that will make it more attractive to purchase the RigMaster APU this fall.

RigMaster has rolled back the price of all T2 model units to pre-2005 pricing levels, offering customers a net savings of up to 10 percent, if purchased and installed between now and December 31st, 2008.

The RigMaster T2 APU burns just 2/10 gallon per hour and can save enough fuel to pay for itself in a year. It provides the operator with heating, air conditioning, 6000 Watts of electrical power for in-cab appliances and a 60 Amp DC alternator that charges the truck’s batteries. Available with either a Perkins or a Caterpillar engine, the T2 model is EPA compliant and can be operated in California when installed on 2006 or older model trucks.

“This is a great opportunity for everyone who has wanted to purchase an APU, but couldn’t afford it,” says Amy Egerter, RigMaster’s Marketing and Communication manager. “In a time when the rest of the industry is raising prices, we have lowered ours to help our customers be more profitable by reducing their idling and fuel costs.”

CEO says APU-maker IdleBuster will return after 90 days

Cash flow problems and the recent credit crunch have shaken firms from Wall Street to Main Street, and also have prompted one APU-maker to temporarily shutter its manufacturing facilities.

IdleBuster will take a 90-day hiatus to regroup before reopening early next year, Wade Gordon, the company’s industry liaison, told Land Line Magazine. IdleBuster is a division of Odessa, FL-based OX Brands LLC.

“We’re not shutting down per se,” Gordon said. “We’ve invested over $15 million into APUs trying to build the best in the market. With the economy like it is, it’s not just hurting us, it’s hurting everyone.”

Service contracts that drivers have for oil changes through another party are still valid, Gordon said. Maintenance or repair bills covered by the company’s warranty will be repaid, Gordon said.

“If a person has a warranty issue and they repair it themselves, write down engine hours, date and where you had it repaired, submit the invoice to us,” Gordon said. “It may take 90 days – but you will be reimbursed.”

Some vendors owe IdleBuster money, and the credit crisis has limited available capital, Gordon said.

About 450 to 500 truck drivers are using APUs built by IdleBuster, Gordon estimated.

Gordon, an OOIDA member and longtime driver himself, said his company’s optimism about the APU market led to the temporary closing rather than a permanent one.

“It’s gonna be a tough time – but IdleBuster believes that they service the most vital industry in the country, the truck driver,” Gordon said. “I will not let the drivers be left hanging like some other companies have done – even if that means I have to meet the drivers close to their home and work with my own two hands.”

– By Charlie Morasch, staff writer

Land Line article

KIRKLAND, Wash., October 21, 2008 – The Kenworth Clean Power no-idle system is now available for order as a factory-installed option on Kenworth T800 and W900 models equipped with the 72-inch AeroCab sleeper.

Kenworth Clean Power may enhance fuel economy by as much as 8 percent for customers with high-idling times. Among the system’s benefits are factory installation, Kenworth warranty coverage, comprehensive no-idle features, and full compliance with California Air Resources Board (CARB) idling regulations that went into effect this year for sleeper trucks with 2007 and later model engines.

Kenworth Clean Power uses dedicated, advanced deep-cycle batteries that power a thermal storage cooler with 21,000 BTUs of cooling capacity. The system has the capability to provide engine-off cooling and heating, plus 120-volt power for hotel loads. Once the truck is shut off, a sleeper control panel regulates the temperature range and a variable speed fan circulates chilled air through a duct located near the bunk.

For more information, contact your Kenworth dealer or visit Kenworth’s website (www.kenworth.com) to calculate potential savings, watch a 4-minute video, or read an electronic brochure.

Kenworth Truck Company is the manufacturer of The World’s Best heavy and medium duty trucks. Kenworth is an industry leader in providing fuel-saving technology solutions that help increase fuel efficiency and reduce emissions. The company’s dedication to the green fleet includes aerodynamic trucks, medium duty diesel-electric hybrids, liquefied natural gas trucks, and the Kenworth Clean Power no-idle system. In addition, Kenworth is the recipient of the 2008 J.D. Power and Associates awards for Highest in Customer Satisfaction for Over the Road and Vocational Segment Class 8 trucks. Kenworth’s Internet home page is at www.kenworth.com. Kenworth. A PACCAR Company.

Well, not exactly the unit itself. Part of the Wall Street bailout bill includes a provision to eliminate the FET or federal excise tax on auxiliary power units installed on new tractors. The FET rate is 12% so a potential savings of $1200 is realistic.

Since more truck buyers will be buying new APUs, this also means that we should see a slight increase in used trucks with their anti idling gear in place. Good news all around.

Here is the press release.

Commercial diesel vehicle owners warned of idling restrictions Grace period over

SACRAMENTO: Air Resources Board staff hit the road this week to begin enforcing recently enacted anti-idling program for diesel engines that will reduce particulate matter emissions throughout the state.

ARB staff and local air quality officials throughout the state will enforce the idling regulations by monitoring sleeper berths and commercial on and off-road diesel vehicles where they operate. First time violations, idling for greater than five minutes, will receive a minimum civil penalty of $300. Subsequent penalties can be from $1,000 to $10,000. Owners, renters or lessees will be responsible for the penalty.

“Turning these engines off should be second nature,” said ARB chairman, Mary Nichols. “It saves money, reduces pollution and protects the health of the driver and everyone working or living around the engines.”

Regulations limiting idling of on-road commercial diesel-engine vehicles to five minutes have been in effect for several years now and for sleeper berth trucks since January of 2008. The regulations addressing the idling of off-road diesel vehicles became effective in June of 2008. Industries were given a grace period allowing them to inform themselves and their staff of the new requirements.

In a case where an off-road vehicle is observed idling for more than five minutes, enforcement officials will contact the operator and site supervisor to determine the reason. If the reason is not exempted, as some clauses of the regulation allow, and the instance is a first time violation, a $300 per day citation will be issued to the owner, renter or lessee of the vehicle.

Diesel exhaust contains a variety of harmful gases and over 40 other known cancer-causing compounds. In 1998, California identified diesel particulate matter as a toxic air contaminant based on its potential to cause cancer, premature death, and other health problems.

Each year, based on California emissions in 2000, diesel particulate matter contributes to 2000 premature deaths, thousands of hospital admissions, asthma attacks and other respiratory symptoms and lost workdays. Diesel engine emissions are responsible for the majority of California’s known airborne cancer risks, cause visibility reduction and potentially contribute to global warming.

This fall the ARB will consider further measures to reduce emissions from heavy-duty diesel trucks. Over the past 10 years ARB has adopted regulations affecting cargo-handling equipment, transport refrigeration units, truck idling, off-road equipment, harbor craft, port drayage trucks, onboard incineration, and ships at-berth. ARB’s cleaner fuel requirements for on-road diesel trucks, railroad and ship engines have reduced pollution around rail yards and ports.

For more information on ARB’s efforts to address diesel emissions go here: http://www.arb.ca.gov/diesel/diesel.htm .

I wonder if this holds any promise. You can find their site here.

Cyclone Power Technologies Unveils Eco-Friendly Auxiliary Power Unit at Commercial Vehicle Show

POMPANO BEACH, FL, Oct. 6, 2008 — Cyclone Power Technologies Inc. (Pink Sheets: CYPW) will introduce its production version Waste Heat Engine at the SAE Commercial Vehicle Engineering Congress and Exhibition, commencing Tuesday, Oct. 7, outside of Chicago, IL Cyclone’s Waste Heat Engine (WHE, pronounced “we”) is a steam-driven engine capable of producing up to 10kW of electricity from the exhaust of commercial trucks and recreational vehicles. This auxiliary power can charge batteries, run small-scale refrigerating units and support in-cab comfort appliances while the prime mover engine is running. When the primary engine is off, the WHE can run on a multitude of fuels, including diesel from the main fuel tank, or CNG, propane or even clean coal powder from a secondary tank.

“We believe that our solution is more economical and environmentally friendly than other auxiliary power units on the market,” stated Harry Schoell, CEO of Cyclone and inventor of the WHE.

A substantial portion of the energy produced by an internal combustion engine is lost through exhaust heat. The WHE was developed to harness that wasted resource and transform it to usable energy. This reduces fuel consumption and, consequently, greenhouse gas emissions. When running on fossil or bio fuels, the WHE operates at low pressures and temperatures, which virtually eliminates the production of nitrogen oxide and harmful particulate matters.

Engine idling is a major problem in the commercial trucking industry. A typical long-haul truck idles for an estimated 1,800 to 2,400 hours per year when parked overnight at truck stops and other rest areas. In fact, U.S. Department of Transportation regulations require 10 hours of rest for every 11 hours of driving. Commercial trucks alone consume an estimated 1 billion gallons of diesel fuel annually during overnight idling, costing well over $4 billion and emitting millions of pounds of dangerous greenhouse gases into the air.

Cyclone will showcase the WHE as attached to a commercial truck engine’s exhaust system and three additional fuel tanks: one for diesel/gasoline, one for CNG, and the last for clean coal powder. The company expects this engine to be ready for production by mid 2009.

The Wisconsin Department of Commerce has extended the deadline for it’s idling reduction program until December 1st 2008.

The slowdown in the economy, high fuel prices, and a high initial cost of idling reduction units may be the reasons that the grant money has not been utilized as early as in years past. While the program does reimburse companies and owner-operators from Wisconsin up to 50% of the cost of idling reduction units and idling alternatives, the owner operator or company must pay for the units up front and report on their idling habits before checks are sent.

Wisconsin Diesel Idling Reduction Program

Press Release

(Washington, D.C. - Sept. 24, 2008) To improve air quality and protect public health, EPA today announced the first $3.4 million in funding for clean diesel projects under the $50 million Diesel Emission Reduction Program. This campaign makes awards to save fuel and lower greenhouse gas and diesel exhaust emissions from the country’s existing fleet of 11 million diesel engines.

“This fall, EPA is paving the way for clean diesel progress,” said EPA Administrator Stephen L. Johnson. “These grants encourage technologies that will help truckers save over $72 million in fuel costs per year and lower their environmental impacts.”

Three organizations received $3.4 million for small trucking firms to lower fuel costs and shrink their carbon footprints through innovative loans and rebates. The organizations receiving funds under the national diesel program are: the Community Development Transportation Lending Services, Washington, D.C.; Cascade Sierra Solutions, Oregon; and Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association, Missouri.

EPA will also begin disbursing $14.8 million for State Clean Diesel programs. All 50 states will receive funds, and 35 states will put matching resources toward the program. Later this fall, $27.6 million in grants will be distributed by EPA’s ten Regional offices. Finally, grant awards for emerging technologies totaling approximately $3.4 million will be announced this winter.

Diesel engines emit 7.3 million tons of smog-forming nitrogen oxides and 333,000 tons of soot annually. This pollution is linked to thousands of premature deaths, hundreds of thousands of asthma attacks and millions of lost work days. EPA’s new diesel engine standards will significantly reduce emission from newly manufactured engines, and these grants will lower emissions from the diesel engines already in use through clean innovative technology.

EPA clean diesel program

OOIDA’s special report on it’s role in the clean diesel program

FENTON, Mich., Sept. 17 /PRNewswire/ — Webasto, a global leader in heating and cooling solutions for the light and heavy-duty transportation industries, was awarded the renowned 2008 Frost & Sullivan Anti-Idling Systems Technology Innovation Leadership of the Year Award. The award highlights the excellence shown by Webasto in developing the most innovative, efficient, cost-effective and emission-reducing solution to the problem of truck idling.

“At Webasto, we’re committed to developing and providing technologies that not only meet environmental needs but also are economically and operationally attractive to our customers,” said John Thomas, Director of Commercial Vehicles / Environmental and Regulatory Affairs, Webasto Product North America (WPNA) Inc. “We’re proud to be receiving this award, which recognizes that Webasto’s Storage Core Technology, named BlueCool Truck, is a better, cleaner, more cost-effective, more efficient solution for truck operators than any other idle-free cab cooling technology available today. BlueCool Truck is the only zero-emission engine-off cooling technology to have received approval fromCalifornia’s Air Resources Board (CARB).”

Unnecessary truck idling is a leading cause of atmospheric and noise pollution. Many states, provinces, metropolitan areas and municipalities acrossthe United States andCanada are enforcing strict idling regulations that limit the time trucks may idle — which typically takes place overnight or during rest periods when operators use the truck’s engine-powered heating/ventilation system to provide a comfortable cab environment. Unnecessary idling is also a major cause of diesel fuel expenditure: according to statistics by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), traditional truck engine idling burns nearly one gallon of fuel per hour, totaling an average of 2,400 gallons per year per truck. With diesel prices hovering around $4 per gallon, that’s a major contributor to fuel expenditure, which is the largest operating cost for fleets and truck owner-operators.

Frost & Sullivan cited technology, return-on-investment, payback potential, environmental footprint, and upfront and lifecycle costs as the major focal points for potential adopters of anti-idling solutions. “BlueCool Truck, a part of Webasto’s Engine-Off Comfort Solutions portfolio, is an anti-idling solution that addresses these issues directly and comprehensively,” said Sandeep Kar, Frost & Sullivan Heavy-Truck Technologies Program Manager. “Webasto’s BlueCool Truck no-idling bunk cooler showcases its technology innovation leadership in idling regulation compliance systems. This unique and innovative technology offers a solution to fleets and owner-operators on the issues of regulation compliance, emissions and idling reduction, and most importantly, operating cost reduction.”

In addition, Webasto has emerged as a prime mover and a leading innovator in anti-idling solutions for heavy trucks. “The company has effectively leveraged its competencies in air-conditioning, comfort and convenience technologies, and its proximity to vehicle manufacturers across the globe to develop BlueCool Truck,” Kar added. “It’s a cost-effective anti-idling solution for heavy truck original equipment and aftermarket channels alike.”

BlueCool Truck’s High-Tech Operating System:

BlueCool Truck’s source of cooling is a high-tech cold storage unit that is charged (frozen) while the truck is running. During times of driver rest, the system utilizes only small amounts of electricity from the existing vehicle batteries (no additional batteries are needed) to circulate super-chilled coolant between the cold storage unit and a heat exchanger installed in the truck sleeper cabin. Pushed by four small, exceptionally quiet air distribution fans, the cold air will keep the bunk area cool for up to 10 hours in most ambient conditions. Once charged, the system uses no diesel fuel and therefore produces no emissions during the cooling operation because it runs independently of the OEM air conditioning system.

The principle behind how BlueCool Truck works is not new. Using a natural phenomenon called latent heat, freezing the cold storage unit enables the storage of around 60 times more chilling capacity than if the unit remained liquid. However, it has been known for centuries that ice has poor thermal conductivity and extracting cooling from ice efficiently and effectively is extremely difficult. This problem has been overcome in BlueCool Truck by embedding the water/ice in a high-tech graphite matrix with a resulting thermal conductivity that is 100 times better than a pure water/ice exchange. The design provides a highly efficient, compact and dynamic thermal energy storage system that produces an assured cooling output at a constant temperature.

After all of the research that I have done to get this site up and running, I have come to see the advantages and shortcomings of a lot of idling alternatives. I have come up with the characteristics of what would make the best APU. It would surely be expensive, but if you are spending enough money to buy a small car, you want it to be right.

1. Start with a Kubota engine.  Great dealer network, a long service interval, and a reputation for reliability.  Optionally 2 cylinders for a liteweight model or a 3 cylinder for a no comprimise model.
2. A 6000 watt generator.  This would give you plenty of power for a rooftop A/C if you have a large sleeper.
3. The APU would be tied into the main engine but would have shutoff valves in case one or the other springs a leak.  Optional separate APU radiator and Webasto/Espar coolant heater for those who don’t like the engine tied in.
4. Auto start/stop for cabin temperature, low battery, block temperature, and a day/hr timer.  All of these settings would need to be ajustable.
5. Heat would come from a Webasto or Espar diesel fired heater.  These are incredibly efficient at around .04 gallons per hour and their reliablity is bankable.
6. A/C would come from a rooftop unit, back of wall unit, under bunk unit, or under floor unit.  Some of these are not commercially available, but the technology exists for a company like Dometic, Carrier, or Coleman to easily create one.  This would eliminate the need for ducting, one of the biggest capacity thieves of current A/C units.  Any one of these units should be repairable cheaply or completely replaceable for under $500.
7. As many parts as possible would be non-proprietary.  You should be able to replace the alternator, air filter, oil filter, fuel filter, and belts from Wal-Mart or any auto parts store in under one hour.

Because of the non-proprietary nature of the APU service locations would be plentiful.  It would also be simple enough that a owner or general service person could work on it.  The only proprietary part on the unit would be the electronics.

I know that it isn’t possible for a given APU to be perfect for everyone, but with a non-proprietary, open approach, additions or options would make the purchase the best choice for more situations.

Who doesn’t wish that they could get better heating and cooling from their APU or battery powered anti-idling unit?  Those of us with large sleepers and dark paint know that when the weather gets hot, their APU is going to run 24/7.  My friend Gary posted some great tips in the forums about how to give your HVAC a boost.

I purchased a Pro Heat APU last year. I have a black Volvo 770 so it takes a lot of air conditioning to cool it off, the sun is not my friend in the summer. I have been in the Pro Heat shop a few times and have always asked if there was anything I could do to improve the performance of the air conditioning. Always the same answer, no. 

If I was in 90 degree heat in the sun the Pro Heat just would not do the job. Even with the curtains closed it could not keep the sleeper cool. 

One day my brother in law (Joe)was over to my house and had remembered me telling him about the problem he asked if he could take a look, he is trained in heat and air conditioning . Within five minutes he pointed out what he thought the problems were. 

1:On the install they had cut two, three inch holes for my cold air return when the Hvac unit has a twelve inch by twelve inch opening that it draws from. My Hvac was starving for air.

Happy APUing

DENTON, TX (August 21, 2008) – Peterbilt Motor Company customers will receive up to an estimated 1 percent fuel economy savings when Paccar becomes the first company to make a new, full synthetic axle lube standard on its Class 5-8 models in the United States and Canada starting this summer.

Peterbilt will introduce Cognis EMGARD® FE 75W-90 into production at its plants in Denton, TX, Nashville, TN and Ste. Therese, Que.   The unique lubricant technology has been tested utilizing industry standards and “real world” fleet methodology, with results indicating up to a 1 percent fuel economy improvement, equivalent to approximately $900 annually (120,000 miles, 6.0 mpg baseline, $4.75/gal).

FE 75W-90 provides customers performance advantages over current synthetic lubricants with reduced gear wear and extended maintenance intervals, resulting in increased uptime.  In addition, the lubricant provides improved fluid flow to protect gears in extreme cold conditions and withstand the stress from high temperatures, extending component life.

“Providing customers technological solutions that improve their business’ operating performance is essential in today’s economic climate, with managing fuel costs playing a critical role in the overall success of trucking companies,” said Larry Reding, Peterbilt Assistant General Manager of Sales and Marketing.  “Peterbilt strives to provide the latest technologies to optimize fuel economy, and the Cognis synthetic lube helps customers offset rising and unstable fuel costs by providing end-users significant and quantifiable fuel savings.”
Cognis is a worldwide supplier of innovative specialty chemicals.  The company’s North American Headquarters is in Cincinnati, Ohio.  More information is available at www.cognis.com.

I have updated the rest of the technical specs on the Kohler 7APU and the Kohler 3APU. If you don’t know the name Kohler, they manufacture large engines and generators as well as kitchen and bath fixtures.

There is a new link in the nav bar for the idlealt.net forums. Discuss APU mechanical issues, specs, idlealt.net suggestions, and anything else to do with trucking efficiency. Please be patient, all the bugs aren’t ironed out yet. Anti-idling forums.

TORONTO, Aug. 12 /CNW/ - RigMaster Power is pleased to announce that Tori
M. Harper has been appointed President for the RigMaster Power group of
companies which includes RigMaster Power Corp. in Canada and its U.S.
counterpart RigMaster Power Inc.
Ms. Harper most recently served as Executive Director of Harper Group
Inc., the parent company to RigMaster Power Inc. and other affiliate
companies. In this capacity, Ms. Harper was actively involved in major
acquisitions and business development.
With a Bachelor of Commerce and an MBA, Ms. Harper brings a wealth of
business knowledge and industry experience to her new position where she will
oversee the direction of the company; placing a sharp focus on strategic
growth initiatives.

RigMaster Power Corp. is a long-standing supplier of premium stand-alone
APU’s to the Transportation Industry. It manufactures and distributes the
RigMaster Power APU in North America through an extensive network of over 200
independent sales and service locations. Operating as RigMaster Power Corp. in
Canada and RigMaster Power Inc. in the U.S., RigMaster’s corporate offices are
located at 10 Diesel Drive, with administrative offices and manufacturing
facilities in Toronto, Canada and Olathe, Kansas. Information on RigMaster can
be found at the RigMaster T2 APU and RigMaster T4 APU pages.

See the Thermo King TriPac page.

Check them out…

RigMaster T2 apu
RigMaster T4 apu

Go to the Centramatic APU page.

This is an older paper published by UC Davis.  It gets pretty in depth about the benifits and pitfalls of using a fuel cell as an idling alternative on class 8 trucks.

Evaluation of Fuel Cell Auxiliary Power Units for Heavy-Duty Diesel Trucks

The future of auxiliary power for trucks really is looking good.

If you want to see the basics about how a fuel cell works, click here.

Ingersoll-Rand, the parent company of Thermo King announced that sales of the TriPac auxiliary power unit doubled in the second quarter due to the rise in the cost of diesel fuel.

Sales of the TriPac auxiliary power unit more than doubled in the second quarter compared with last year, due to the escalating cost of diesel fuel.

You can see the full details of the 2nd quarter earnings report conference call here.

The program to reimburse Wisconsin carriers 50 percent of the cost of an idling reduction unit is approaching it’s deadline for applications.  The Department of Commerce began accepting applications on July 1st and will close the acceptance period on August 1st.  Of the $2 million dollars set aside for the program, $500,000 will be reserved for small trucking companies.

The program was created by the Governor’s budget bill, 2005 Wisconsin Act 25. Under the program, Commerce provides grants to freight motor carriers (common, contract and private motor carriers) headquartered in Wisconsin to purchase and install idling reduction units for newer truck tractors. Idling reduction units provide an alternative source of power used to heat, cool, or provide electricity to the cab or other parts of a truck in lieu of operating the truck’s main drive engine to power these services. The use of idling reduction units on heavy-duty diesel trucks saves fuel and lowers air pollution emissions. The program will award grants through June 2011.

You can check out the program at the Wisconsin idling-reduction grant site.

(Minneapolis - March 27, 2008) - Thermo King is pleased to announce the launch of the Extreme Arctic Kit for their TriPac Hybrid Auxiliary Idle Reduction and Temperature Management System. Lower operating costs and longer engine life are two of the driving factors behind the development of Thermo King’s Extreme Arctic Kit for the industry’s leading anti-idle solution, the TriPac system. Numerous studies have shown that the majority of mechanical engine wear (up to 90 percent) occurs during engine start-up. Cold weather startup is potentially even more damaging as oil pressure will vary widely during the first several minutes of a cold-engine start.

Thermo King’s Extreme Arctic Kit includes both a coolant and oil heater, which ensures that not only are cold weather starting problems a thing of the past, but that engine wear is no different than during warm weather starts.

When the TriPac system senses a coolant temperature below 30° F, the system automatically starts the TriPac engine and engages the coolant and oil heaters. The TriPac engine then circulates the coolant between the engine block and the TriPac, continuously monitoring the coolant temperature until it reaches 60° F. With the Extreme Arctic Kit, the TriPac system not only keeps the driver comfortable in the coldest of environments, it now makes sure the tractor starts easily every time with minimal wear and tear. The Extreme Arctic Kit is available now at Thermo King dealers nationwide.

(Minneapolis - June 10, 2008) - Thermo King’s diesel particulate filter (DPF) for its TriPac Hybrid Auxiliary Idle Reduction and Temperature Management System has been approved for use by the California Air Resources Board (CARB). The DPF is designed to meet TriPac APU emissions requirements required by CARB for APUs running in California that are attached to class 8 tractors with 2007 or newer engines. In addition to being designed to meet CARB regulations, the TriPac DPF offers several other features important to drivers and owners. Regeneration, the process of burning off particulate matter trapped in the filter element, takes place during normal driving hours with no disruption to the driver during rest periods. Plus, extended APU runtime between regenerations assures minimal driver involvement.

TriPac APU customers can be assured that the TriPac DPF does not reduce fuel economy and will place no extra strain on the APU, nor will it alter scheduled maintenance intervals. As another environmental benefit, the filter also reduces engine noise, making the already-quiet TriPac system even quieter.

Because Thermo King is committed to delivering excellent performance to its customers, the company has gone beyond the testing required by CARB and performed additional testing to ensure that the DPF meets the high standards demanded of all Thermo King products.

Other benefits include flexibility for all customers, as the DPF has nine different mounting options, based on vehicle considerations, enabling easy installation on most modern tractors despite the trend of less available frame rail space. The DPF is also designed for minimal maintenance, which reduces costs and downtime.

“Beyond meeting the emission requirements as set by CARB, we were very conscious of our customers’ requests not to add additional maintenance to their fleets or require the stocking of different types of lubricants than what they already use in their equipment,” says Tom Kampf, APU product manager, Thermo King.

The TriPac DPF is the example of Thermo King’s commitment to developing the latest in environmentally-friendly Green technologies.

The DPF is now available as an aftermarket or original equipment option to support both current and new customers and is backed by the Thermo King Dealer Network, with more than 200 locations nationwide.

DENTON, Texas — Delphi Corporation (PINKSHEETS: DPHIQ) and Peterbilt Motors Company successfully demonstrated a Delphi solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) auxiliary power unit (APU) powering a Peterbilt Model 386 truck’s “hotel” loads. During recent testing at Peterbilt’s Texas headquarters, the Delphi SOFC provided power for the Model 386’s electrical system and air conditioning and maintained the truck’s batteries — all while the Model 386’s diesel engine was turned off.

Delphi Fuel Cell

Delphi’s SOFC converts chemical energy in conventional fuels directly into useful electrical power without combustion. A SOFC operates quietly and at a higher efficiency level than traditional internal combustion engines. By limiting idling time and running a SOFC instead of the main engine, emissions are reduced, noise is nearly eliminated, and operators realize significant fuel savings.

The new Delphi technology will have the capability of using a variety of fuels, including natural gas, diesel, bio-diesel, propane, gasoline, coal-derived fuel and military logistics fuel. In addition to its fuel flexibility, the SOFC will be compact in size.

The Peterbilt/Delphi test replicated a typical trucker’s day to evaluate the real-world usefulness and capacity of the SOFC:

The internals of the Delphi Fuel Cell

• To begin, the SOFC APU was brought to operating temperature with the truck’s main engine running. This simulated starting the SOFC APU during normal, on-road driving conditions.
• Once the SOFC APU was at temperature and available to provide power, the Model 386’s main engine was turned off, simulating the beginning of a rest period.
• During the rest period, the SOFC APU powered the 386’s electrical loads, including the electric air-conditioner, radio, citizens band radio, and lights. It also charged the truck’s battery.
• After 10 hours (representing running overnight) the Model 386’s main engine was restarted to simulate the driver beginning his drive for the next day.

Throughout the test, the SOFC APU provided an average of 800 watts of electricity to the Peterbilt Model 386.

“The Delphi SOFC passed this test, standing up to the demands of a typical truck-driver’s day,” said Mary Gustanski, Delphi Powertrain Systems director of Engineering. “We are encouraged by the performance of the demonstration, especially given the 95-degree-F Texas heat. Additionally, we thank everyone at Peterbilt for participating in this evaluation and for echoing our enthusiasm for the further development of eco-friendly solutions.”

“The SOFC system provides a technologically-advanced solution to meet anti-idle requirements while surpassing expectations for reduced emissions, noise and fuel consumption,” said Landon Sproull, Peterbilt Chief Engineer. “This system has the potential to revolutionize future APUs by setting new benchmarks for performance and ease of operation with no adverse effects on the environment.”

The Peterbilt Model 386 was chosen as the test bed for the SOFC due to its aerodynamic and fuel-efficient performance. It merges conventional Peterbilt styling with leading aerodynamic design and has been recognized as fuel efficient and environmentally friendly by the EPA’s SmartWay program.

Delphi Fuel Cell PDF

Truck owners and fleets can reduce fuel usage, lower emissions and comply with new anti-idling laws with the new Fleetrite® Auxiliary Power Unit (APU), a retrofit product introduced from Navistar.

“A Class 8 truck burns a little more than a gallon of diesel fuel per hour idling, and a long-haul sleeper idles around 2,400 hours per year,” said Ron Sandefur, vice president, aftermarket purchasing and products, Navistar Parts Group. “Figure in the high price of diesel fuel and the result is a lot of wasted money.

“With a Fleetrite APU, truck owners can reduce fuel usage to only 0.3 gallons of fuel per hour while idling, or up to 80 percent less than normal idle, saving fleets and owner-operators up to $8,500 a year and 1,920 gallons of fuel annually per truck,” Sandefur said.

The Fleetrite APU is an auxiliary power unit designed as an aftermarket retrofit for all makes and models of Class 8 trucks. Powered by a 14-horsepower, 2-cylinder Caterpillar diesel engine, the unit takes the place of the engine under the hood to efficiently provide driver necessities including heat, air conditioning and power for electronics while the truck is idle.

“Even with the high price of diesel fuel, drivers don’t have to sacrifice being comfortable while resting for the night or waiting for their trailers to get loaded or unloaded,” said Jan Penrow, product manager, aftermarket products, Navistar Parts Group. “The Fleetrite APU delivers air conditioning, heat and power quickly and most importantly, without using a lot of fuel.”

A simple and non-intrusive design, the Fleetrite APU only uses the truck’s battery power and fuel tank to start and power its electronic system and run the engine.

The HVAC system of the Fleetrite APU delivers the most cooling and heating capacity on the market, ensuring drivers will be comfortable in any temperature conditions. A 60-Amp DC alternator charges the truck’s battery while a 6-kW generator powers appliances and the engine-block heater. Mounted in the cabin of the truck, the control panel features a large LCD screen and easy-to-use single-touch menu functions.

Two CARB-compliant Fleetrite APU models are available depending on the truck’s manufacture date. For 2007 or newer trucks, an APU model is available that requires a diesel particulate filter (DPF) for CARB compliance.

International dealers also offer other anti-idling solutions as aftermarket retrofits including NITE battery powered systems, Espar cab heaters, Webasto cab heaters and Webasto C5 truck heating and cooling units, and Autotherm® energy-recovery units for day-cab trucks.

Navistar also will offer a factory-installed APU called MaxxPower as an option on new International Class 8 trucks beginning later this year.

In the column to the left are the articles.  In those articles I plan to write about each individual unit.  I will try to be as comprehensive as I can possibly be and really dig into the specs of each idlealt.

I will post as much info as I possibly can and I will be as accurate with it as I can be.  I use the manufacturers web sites, pdf documentation, calls to them, and some info from dealers.  This doesn’t always work out and sometimes things will be just plain wrong.  If this happens, feel free to post a comment on that page and I will investigate.

Also, if you go to a static page and no article has been written about it, feel free to post a comment anyway if you have any particular questions about a unit.

Hello,

My name is Chris and I am the founder of idlealt.net.

I am building this site because, like many of you, I hate to see how much more I am spending on fuel this year than in years past. On top of this, there is really no good information source for APUs and idling alternatives.   Since I do a lot of sitting between loads, i probably listen to my Rigmaster run more than I listen to my XM.

Hopefully the time I spend on this blog will help someone make an informed descision.  $10,000 Is a lot of cash to flush down the toilet.